The Godfather and Its Effects on Society: 1960's

Summary: Discusses the effects of Mario Puzo's The Godfather on American society during the 1960's and describes how it was a metaphor for American culture during this time frame. Elaborates on reasons for its popularity during this era.

When The Godfather was released in 1969, America was in the midst of uncharted territory. The heavily protested Vietnam War was in its prime with over 500,000 deaths, and the moral legitimacy of it was being questioned. Reports told Americans about riots in innocent Vietnamese villages while Vice President Spiro Agnew called protesters of the war an "effete corps of impudent snobs." Not only was the war causing chaos in the great country of America though; domestic problems were bringing about questions, doubts, and a complete cultural shifts as well. The civil rights movement was at its height, drugs were continuing their invasion into American society, and great leaders of our country were being called into question. The 1960's was a time of confusion, uncertainty, and change, and The Godfather fit in perfectly with this movement. The Godfather was a book about pride and justice, it was a book about...